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Northern Virginia income, economically disadvantage populations, workforce, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Workforce Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Economic Tracking Economic Monthly Tracking of Northern Virginia The monthly economic tracking statistics include the labor force, unemployment, employment, and employment by industry. Data The dashboard's monthly data is updated for all data pieces, except employment by industry of the release day of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). The employment by industry is updated on the release day of the state and local data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Current Employment Statistics (CES). This dashboard will be updated on the following schedule: April 22, 2026, Employment by Industry: February data for Employment by Industry. April 29, 2026, All Other Data: February data for Unemployment Rate, Unemployed Persons, Labor Force, and Employed Persons. State of the Region: Economic Recovery and Transformation from COVID-19 Pandemic Information on the state of the Northern Virginia region's economic recovery and the transformation from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is found in the State of the Region July 2022 report. As society eases back to normalcy, people have been returning to the labor force, but – despite many people returning to the labor force and new entrants to the Northern Virginia labor force – there are currently not enough workers to meet the labor force demands across various industries in the region. The region’s labor force is significantly down from February 2020, there are a high number of job postings, and there is a low unemployment rate. The economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery has been uneven across industries and demographic groups in Northern Virginia. Understanding why the Northern Virginia region’s labor force has declined, why those people in Northern Virginia who left the labor force during the pandemic are not returning in full, and how to overcome a shortage of labor is critical to fostering an economy and community where residents and businesses can thrive. This report provides detailed information on these factors. Click on image for report Economic Recovery COVID19 Minority-Owned Businesses Minority-Owned Businesses of Northern Virginia Minority-owned businesses have experienced heightened risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a complex effect on the region’s local economy and on the wellbeing of its minority-owned businesses. Northern Virginia is home to 128,000 minority-owned businesses, representing the community’s diverse fabric and entrepreneurship. The report on Supporting Northern Virginia's Minority-Owned Businesses was released on June 23, 2021. The report contains detailed information on the minority-owned business community, how they were impacted by the pandemic, and recommendations for supporting them through the pandemic economic recovery and in the future beyond the pandemic. The Northern Virginia Minority-Owned Working Group present this report. The group is composed of members from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, Arlington Economic Development, and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. A report release webinar event was hosted on June 23, 2021 to highlight the report findings. The event also included other presentations, a fire side chat with leaders from across the region, and testimonies from minority business owners. For the video recording and details on the event see the NVRC demographic webinar series website . Report: The report provides a Northern Virginia level of analysis on minority-owned businesses. Data Dashboard: The dashboard provides a summary of the report findings, interactive data charts, and more detailed information than that found in the report, including jurisdiction level data. The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Timeline of updates are found on the data dashboard. View Report and Data Dashboard Additional Northern Virginia Workforce Data Resources Commonwealth of Virginia - Virginia Works Labor Market Information website Northern Virginia Community College - Labor Market Intelligence dashboards

Northern Virginia population growth, minority-majority transition, foreign born population transformation, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Foreign Born and Immigrants Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Foreign Born and Immigrant Population of Northern Virginia Overview The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is one of the most diverse in the country when taking into consideration the racial, ethnic, and foreign born (immigrant) population make-up. Northern Virginia contains a sizable amount of the metropolitan area's diverse population. The foreign born or immigrant population is transforming the region. Note, the terms foreign born and immigrant are used interchangeably throughout the NOVA Region Dashboard. Immigration has been driving demographic transformations in the region , including: School enrollment changes Sizable increases in the number of Hispanics and Asians Population growth Employment growth About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Foreign born population data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Foreign Born Population - Current Foreign Born Population Share - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, is displayed in this graph. Northern Virginia's foreign born population share is 28.2%, which is on par with New York County, New York (Manhattan). All of Northern Virginia jurisdiction's have a foreign born population share that is greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions are ranked #165 or higher. The region's highest ranked are Manassas Park City (8th), Manassas City (21st), Fairfax County (24th), and Fairfax City (25th), each of which have a greater foreign born population share than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (28.2% and 39th) and Orange County, California (30.4% at 28th). Foreign Born Population Share - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia foreign born figures for the one-year estimates are representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. The regional foreign born population share is 28.5%. This is greater than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (27.9%), and only 3.1 percentage points less than Orange County, California (31.6%). All of Northern Virginia's five largest jurisdictions have a foreign born population share that is significantly greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of the 850 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, all of Northern Virginia's large jurisdictions are ranked in the top fifty. The Counties of Fairfax and Loudoun have a share that is greater than Manhattan. Foreign Born Population - Historic Compared to Current Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Immigration has been driving many of the major demographic shifts in the region. Northern Virginia's population was 21.4% foreign born in 2000 and has risen to 28.2% in the 2020-2024 period. Similar to today, back in 2000 all Northern Virginia jurisdictions had a foreign born population share that was greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. The greatest transformations have occurred in the four outer-core jurisdictions of Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Prince William. The outer-core of the region also accounts for a majority of the region's overall population growth, as indicated in the population growth charts . Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The foreign born population trend, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), is shown in the following graphs. The legal status of non-citizens is unknown and not collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in any of its data sets. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, experienced an increase in the foreign born population and the share from 2011 to 2017. The foreign born population share increased from 25.5% to 28.6% respectively. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching a low of 27.2% in 2021. The decline from 2017 to 2021 was attributable to the 2017 to 2021 presidential administration's reforms to immigration policy, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic led to a drop in the region's population between 2020 and 2021 because of out-migration of residents, elevated death rates, and slowing immigration As the pandemic eased in 2022 and the 2021 to 2025 presidential administration implemented less restrictive immigration policies, both national and regional immigration increased. These two factors led to increased national and regional immigration. This boosted the foreign-born population and its share. The citizenship status chart provides additional insights into the decline in the overall foreign-born population from 2017 to 2021 and the resurgence through 2024. The decline from 2017 to 2021 was largely attributable to the non-citizen populations migrating out of the area in greater amounts than naturalized citizens moving into the area. The resurgence is attributed to the non-citizen population increasing. The naturalized citizen population of the region, on the other hand, remained steady from 2022 to 2024. Loudoun and Prince William Counties, since 2010, have had significant increases in their foreign born population and trended upward in the share of the total population that is foreign born. Fairfax County's foreign born population share has been the largest in the region since 2010. It trended up from 2010 to 2017, reaching a high of 32.1% in 2017. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching its lowest point in that period at 29.9% in 2021. It then trended up. By 2024 the share had yet to reach the 2017 level. In 2024 it was 30.9%.

Northern Virginia population growth, minority-majority transition, foreign born population transformation, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Race and Ethnicity Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Race and Ethnicity of Northern Virginia Overview A big story of the region is its racial and ethnic diversity and continuing diversification. Northern Virginia's racial and ethnic composition makes it more diverse today than the United State and Virginia and this has been the case for decades. Much of the continued diversification is attributed to the sizable increases in the number of Hispanics, Asians, and multiracial persons in the region. The following charts show the region's population by race and ethnicity, along with analyses of diversity for Northern Virginia and its counties and cities. Upcoming Changes to Categorization of Race/Ethnicity Race/ethnicity data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is the primary source of race and ethnicity demographics. The U.S. Census Bureau currently collects race and ethnicity data based on the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards from 1997. New race/ethnicity standards were adopted by the Office of Management and Budget on March 28, 2024, the first such adoption since 1997. Changes are coming to how race and ethnicity information will be collected and reported in the United States. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, must implement the new standards into data collections as soon as possible, but no later than March 28, 2029. The U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS), a survey conducted annually, will be one of the first U.S. Census Bureau products to implement the new standards. As of July 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau was proposing to begin implementation of data collection in 2026 or 2027 for the ACS products. The 2030 Decennial Census will also reflect the new standards. The new race categories will offer individuals more precise ways to self-identify, especially for people who self-identify as multiracial or multiethnic. This will result in a more accurate representation of the U.S. population's race and ethnic characteristics. Changes will include a single combined question instead of separate race and ethnicity questions. Also, a new "Middle Eastern or North African" category will be added. These changes aim to better reflect the diversity of the American population. These changes will create challenges and implications for our understanding of the population and trends because the data will not be comparable to prior data. These modifications will alter the population size of subgroups. Specifically, the Census Bureau’s 2015 National Content Test results suggest anticipating increases in those identifying as Middle Eastern or North African, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American. Conversely, the number of individuals categorized as “white” or "some other race" is projected to decline. The combined race and ethnicity question is also expected to improve response rates for the race component on the decennial census and ACS forms. More information can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau's website . Decennial Census Data The Decennial Census is based on a survey of the entire population. It is conducted once a decade. The 2020 Decennial Census population was released on August 12, 2021. The Decennial Census regional, county, and city population data is shown in the interactive charts that follow. The 2020 Census had improvements to the design of the two separate questions for race and ethnicity, data processing, and coding, which enabled a more thorough and accurate depiction of how people prefer to self-identify. These changes along with actual demographic changes in the population result in the changes seen from 2010 to 2020 in the following data. For more details on the 2020 Census questionnaire changes and its impacts please view the U.S. Census Bureau's technical information . The following charts show the region's population by race and ethnicity, along with analyses of diversity for Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns. People of Hispanic/Latino origin are an ethnic group and may be of any race. To display Hispanic/Latino together with racial groups, it is common to cross-tabulate race and ethnicity to display Hispanic/Latino as a single category and the non-Hispanic race groups as categories that sum to the total population. This means of displaying race and ethnic data has become quite common and for available data, it is the closest categorization c ompared to the new race/ethnicity standards that were adopted by the Office of Management and Budget on March 28, 2024 (for more information see prior section ). With this classification, Hispanic/Latino is treated identically to major race groups and not independently of race. Also, Census Bureau research has shown that this classification is much less impacted by the 2020 Census questionnaire improvements. NVRC has migrated its demographic analysis to the cross-tabulated categories. The following charts, as well as the calculation of diversity, use the cross-tabulated categories.

Northern Virginia economic monitoring of the 2025-2029 presidential administration's federal cutbacks. Analysis conducted by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Federal Monitoring Federal Monitoring of Northern Virginia Northern Virginia has approximately 12 percent of its residents employed in the federal government. The federal government budgetary cutback and job layoffs that the new presidential administration began implementing in January 2025 will have deep economic impacts on the region. Detailed information for understanding and monitoring the federal impacts is available on the following topics . Fact Sheet Reports/Resources Maps Safety Net Participants Unemployment Claims Local Area Economic Statistics

Federal impact reports and studies on Northern Virginia, DC Metro Area, and Virginia. Federal Monitoring Reports/Resources NVRC Presentations School Planners Forum - June 4, 2025 Federal Impact on School Enrollment Presentation - NVRC's Senior Regional Demographer, Jill Kaneff, presented at the annual regional school planners forum hosted by Loudoun County Public Schools. The forum brought together school planners from across the D.C. region and beyond. Guidance on key demographic and economic indicators to monitor was provided to assist schools plan for the federal impacts on enrollment during these uncertain times caused by the federal layoffs and cutbacks. Virginia House Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, April 8, 2025 NVRC's Senior Regional Demographer, Jill Kaneff, and the NVRC Chair presented at the committee meeting. The Northern Virginia Federal Workforce presentation is an overview of Northern Virginia federal workforce and data resources available for policy makers and the general public. Economy Northern Virginia Economic Impacts Study - Published June 2025 Report commissioned by the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA). Northern Virginia Regional Commission partnered with the NOVA EDA on this report and was an active member in the report's research sub-committee. This report analyzes the significant economic and workforce impact of federal government layoffs in Northern Virginia (NOVA). The study models three potential workforce reduction scenarios: low impact (5 percent reduction), medium impact (10 percent reduction), and high impact (20 percent reduction). Report : Economic and Fiscal Effects of Federal Employee and Contractor Layoffs In Northern Virginia, June 2025 Virginia Economic Impacts The University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service produces a quarterly economic forecast for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The center also publishes special studies and presentations that focus on the federal impacts. View the Weldon Cooper Center's research reports. Housing Market Presentations D.C. Metropolitan Area Housing Market Trends and Outlook - Lisa Sturtevant, PhD, Chief Economist with Bright MLS, presented at the Loudoun County Public Schools Planners and GIS Forum on June 4, 2025. The forum brought together school planners from across the D.C. region and beyond. This presentation was part of a two set series on the federal impacts, with the first presentation being NVRC's presentation on Federal Impact on School Enrollment . Northern Virginia Association of Realtors The Northern Virginia Association of Realtor tracks and reports on the housing market conditions of the inner jurisdictions of Northern Virginia with data provided by George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis and Bright MLS. Features include monthly housing update reports and a new weekly regional tracker to monitor the impact of federal workforce changes. On an annual basis, a report on housing market forecasts is produced in conjunction with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (GMU-CRA).

Economic data compiled by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's as part of the One Region immigration study, Coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and dashboard to assess the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. Labor Force Information on the overall Northern Virginia immigrant population, as presented in the original report published in March 2020. Overall Information on the economic impact of immigrants during COVID-19, as presented in the addendum report published in October 2020. COVID-19

Northern Virginia towns educational attainment, public school student enrollment, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Education of Towns Education Data of Towns There are 14 incorporated towns in Northern Virginia. For comparative purposes, Northern Virginia counties and cities, Commonwealth of Virginia, and United States data are provided in the graphs. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation The education data of incorporated towns is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). All of the incorporated towns in Northern Virginia have a population of less than 65,000 persons. One-year ACS estimates do not exist for incorporated places with a population of less than 65,000. All incorporated towns and places in the United States are included in the five-year ACS estimates. It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. The ACS estimates for places with smaller populations such as Clifton, Dumfries, Hamilton, Haymarket, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Quantico can be unreliable if the margin of error is large. Only data variables that are deemed relatively reliable have data provided at the town level. For instance, poverty data is unreliable for many towns in Northern Virginia so that data is not shown. Educational Attainment

Economic data compiled by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's as part of the One Region immigration study, Coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and dashboard to assess the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. Economy Key Facts Economy Immigrants hold billions of dollars in economic power and contribute billions to the Northern Virginia economy As Virginia's economy continues to expand, businesses and firms will require more workers across all skill levels to stay competitive and productive. As a tight labor market, with some of the lowest levels of unemployment in the country according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2017 annual averages, much of the labor needed to meet Northern Virginia's demand for workers comes from outside the region, U.S born and immigrant alike. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 2017 Estimates (in 2017 Inflation Adjusted Dollars) How many billions of dollars do immigrants contribute to the NOVA GDP? How many billions of dollars do immigrants contribute to the NOVA GDP? Source: National Association of Counties, Data Explorer, 2019. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. NAE Analysis of the 2013-2017 American Community Survey, 5-Year Sample, downloaded from IPUMS USA, University of Minnesota, www.ipums.org . 57.7 Billion What is the total household earnings and tax contributions of NOVA's immigrants? What is the total household earnings and tax contributions of NOVA's immigrants? Total Household Earnings $28.3 Billion State & Local Taxes Paid $2.1 Billion Federal Taxes Paid $5.9 Billion Source: NAE analysis of the 2013-2017 American Community Survey,5-Year Sample, downloaded from IPUMS USA, University of Minnesota, www.ipums.org ; ITEP, “Who Pays?”; Congressional Budget Office; U.S. Social Security Administration.

Internet access information compiled by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's as part of the One Region immigration study, coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and data dashboard to assess the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. Internet Access Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Key Facts Internet Access Limited or no internet access at home can lead to severe economic fallout, from limiting one's ability to work remotely to hindering a small business's transition to online. Limited or no internet access at home puts children in foreign-born households at risk of falling behind as schools hold classes online due to COVID-19. 2014 to 2018 Five-Year Estimates In total, 10.1 percent of Northern Virginians report lacking wired internet access at home. Either they are without any internet access (including no mobile) or they only have mobile access. Immigrants are disproportionately affected. Without Internet Access at Home 4.0 percent of Northern Virginians report lacking access to the internet at home. 6.1 percent of foreign born in Northern Virginia report lacking access to the internet at home, compared to 3.1 percent of U.S. born. Of those without internet access at home, 42.7 percent were foreign born. The total population of Northern Virginia is 27.6 percent foreign born. This indicates that immigrants are disproportionately affected. Only Mobile Access At Home 6.1 percent of Northern Virginians report having only mobile access to the internet at home. 7.7 percent of foreign born in Northern Virginia report lacking access to the internet at home, compared to 5.4 percent of U.S. born.

Northern Virginia income, economically disadvantage populations, workforce, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Median Household Income Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Median Household Income of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, including the county with the highest in the nation. High median household incomes coincide with the large, thriving business community of the Northern Virginia region. While the median household income is high, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in this prosperous region of the country and that high housing costs offset the high income when it comes to standards of living and well-being. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Median household income data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Median Household Income - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The Median household incomes for all Northern Virginia jurisdictions are shown in this graph. The median household income of every Northern Virginia jurisdiction is higher than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, four of the 12 highest ranked for median household income are in Northern Virginia, and those include Loudoun County (1st), Fairfax County (4th), Falls Church City (11th), and Arlington (12th). Northern Virginia's median household income, at an estimated $149,502 (in 2024 dollars), is higher than 11th ranked Falls Church, making Northern Virginia one of the most affluent regions of the USA. Median Household Income - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions. The median household incomes for the five largest Northern Virginia jurisdictions are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia median household income for the one-year estimates is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. The five largest jurisdictions of Northern Virginia all have incomes higher than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of the 850 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, three of the top twenty highest income jurisdictions are located in Northern Virginia, and those include Loudoun County (1st), Fairfax County (4th), and Arlington County (19th). The median household income of Northern Virginia's five largest jurisdiction together is estimated to be $149,502 (in 2024 dollars), making Northern Virginia one of the most affluent areas of the USA. Median Household Income - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates The Northern Virginia region's median household income had been rising since 1999 until it dropped in the 2020-2024 period. Since 1999, the greatest upward transformations in median household income, to levels well beyond inflation, have occurred in the Counties of Arlington and Loudoun. Median Household Income - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The median household income trend, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. The Northern Virginia regional household income distribution for the one-year estimates is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. Key Facts: There were dips in median household income in the early 2010s for some jurisdictions. The effects of the recession from 2007 to 2009 were still causing economic hardships and in 2013 there was federal sequestration when the federal government made large budget cuts. The Northern Virginia region is heavily dependent on the federal government for its economy, as indirectly indicated by the job layoffs during sequestration causing a sharp decline in household incomes. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically from 2012 to 2019, the trend in the Northern Virginia median household income was an upward trend after adjusting for inflation. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 triggered a wave of demographic and economic shifts both regionally and nationally. Between 2019 and 2023 there was a downward trend in the region's median household income after accounting for inflation. Nationally, wage growth outpaced inflation from 2019 through early 2021, lagged behind from early 2021 to mid-2023, and again began to outpace inflation from mid-2023 through 2024. Given that Northern Virginia's downward trend spanned 2019 to 2023, the steady decline is attributable primarily to underlying demographic shifts of this period rather than wages failing to keep pace with inflation. Notably, NVRC research has shown that workers retired early and many middle income office workers moved to more affordable areas as remote work surged. Between 2023 and 2024, median household income in the region increased after adjusting for inflation, similar to the national pattern of wages exceeding inflation. Policymakers have comprehensively addressed low-income housing to 80% or 100% of the HUD Area Median Income (AMI). However, the out-flow of young adult workers since the pandemic has underscored the need to expand first-time homebuyer housing programs to serve middle-income households earning up to 120% of the AMI and increase middle-income housing supply to enable first-time home buyers to afford comfortable living and family life in the region. A two-person household is a typical household size for first-time home buyers starting a family and would need to earn approximately $150,000 at 120% AMI to afford to purchase a starter home. Starter homes at this income level are limited in the region which is why more solutions are needed for the 120% AMI and under households. For further information on these demographic shifts, see the NVRC report Shifting Migration Patterns of Northern Virginia: Affordable Housing Needs published January 2025.

Information on decennial census purpose, responding to, and tracking data responses. A regional information and data resource from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Decennial Census Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Access and View Data Analyses NVRC Regional Data Analysis Data analyses of 2020 and prior censuses for the Northern Virginia region overall and each of its counties, cities, and towns are posted under the People section of this dashboard. Census Bureau Nationwide Data Analysis The Census Bureau published 2020 Census analyses through a series of data visualizations , America Counts stories , and videos to help illustrate and explain the Census results and the country's demograph ic characteristics. Access and View U.S. Census Bureau Products Decennial Censuses are released in multiple phases through multiple products. Starting with the 2020 Decennial Census, t he Demographic Profile, Demographic and Housing Characteristics, and redistricting data products all are injected with random statistical “noise” using the differential privacy approach to prevent disclosure of personal information. Caution should be utilized when using this data. The larger the population size of a geographic area, the more accurate the data and the diminished likelihood of having implausible data. Statistical noise is infused to protect confidentiality. The impact of statistical noise decreases with larger geographies. For more information, on the statistic noise injected, privacy, and accuracy, see the information under Privacy and Accuracy of 2020 Census Data . Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics The 2020 Census Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics were released in May 2023. These files contain 2020 Census data on characteristics of the population (i.e. age, sex race), characteristics of households (i.e. household size, rent/own, families). Access and view Northern Virginia regional data: County/City County/City Demographic Profile County/City Demographic and Housing Characteristics Incorporated Towns Incorporated Towns Demographic Profile Incorporated Town Demographic and Housing Characteristics Redistricting Demographic Data Redistricting dem ographic data released to the public in August and September 2021. This release contains population, race/ethnicity, age, housing units, and housing tenure data for c ounties, cities, and geographies as small as census blocks. The second product set will contain more detail demographic and housing characteristics data. Access and view Northern Virginia regional data: County/City County/City Redistricting Data Incorporated Towns Not Available Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics DHC-A The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics file were released in three phases, with the first one being the Detailed DHC-A released September 2023. Included in this release are detailed population counts, sex, and age for approximately 370 racial and ethnic groups and places of origin, such as German, Lebanese, Chinese, and Mexican. Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics DHC-B The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics Detailed DHC-B released August 2024. The Detailed DHC-B includes detailed household type (e.g., family or non-family) and tenure for approximately 370 racial and ethnic groups and places of origin , such as German, Lebanese, Chinese, and Mexican. Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics S-DHC The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics Supplemental DHC (S-DHC) was released September 2024. It includes complex relationships between the characteristics about households and the people living in them, including average household size, average household size by age and tenure, and household and family type for people under 18 years old. Privacy and Accuracy of 2020 Census Data The Demographic Profile, Demographic and Housing Characteristics, and redistricting data all are injected with random statistical “noise” using the differential privacy approach to prevent disclosure of personal information. For the Demographic and Housing Characteristics, the Census Bureau released statistical error metrics (Excel File) to help users understand the variation in the data introduced by using differential privacy. Additional guidance to users is provided by the U.S. Census Bureau in the blog post, What to Expect: Disclosure Avoidance and the 2020 Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics File . For decades, the U.S. Census Bureau has used different techniques to protect individual privacy through their Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS). Differential Privacy (DP) is the latest technique. This technique was chosen because enhanced privacy protection is needed due to advances in technology that enable the ability to identify individuals when combined with other information. DP impacts data accuracy more than any other technique previously applied to decennial census results. DP will add random data (“noise”) to counts for geographic areas below the state level, to prevent identification of individuals. The amount of noise added to the data will be greater than any prior decennial census technique. The impact of statistical noise decreases the larger the population size of a geographic area. From 2019 through 2022, Northern Virginia jurisdictions, through the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), participated in the U.S. Census Bureau’s DP demonstration data review and provided feedback to the U.S. Census Bureau. The following document is a brief overview of DP and the impacts it has on data quality. Click on the image to download. For an in-depth description of DP go to the Census Bureau's DP website . Download a copy of the Differential Privacy Fact Sheet Privacy Accuracy

Demographic, economic, and other data resources and reports published by Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Data Reports and Resources Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Fact Sheets Regional Fact Sheets Demographic and Economic Highlights Demographic and economic overview of the region. Last updated: Apr. 17, 2026 Monthly Report Population Change Population change trends, including the components of change: Domestic migration International migration Births/deaths Last updated: Apr. 2, 2026 Annual Report Federal Jobs Overview of federal jobs in the region. How many jobs and where in the region do federal workers live and work. Published: Feb. 21, 2025 Special Report Reports Regional Reports and Studies Population and Households State of the Region: Shifting Migration Patterns - Affordable Housing Needs Slower population growth was occurring after the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines the domestic migration volume and patterns underlying this, including the extent to which housing affordability, income, and age of persons are playing a role. Published January 2025. Special Report Economic Economic Tracking Report A report tracking economic indicators, including labor force, employment, unemployment, and industry sectors. *** This report has been migrated to an interactive dashboard as of 4/29/2025. The new interactive version includes not only Northern Virginia economic statistics, but also county and city level data. Click on the graphic above to navigate to the new dashboard.*** Monthly Report Foreign Direct Investment A report on foreign direct investment that uncovers the depths of economic engagement and activity that Northern Virginia has with the world. Published October 31, 2023. Key highlights of the report are listed in a report infographic. A corresponding m ap highligh ts the countries with direct economic co ntri bu tion s in Northern Virginia. Special Report State of the Region: Economic Recovery and Transformation from COVID-19 Pandemic A report on the state of the Northern Virginia region's economic recovery and the transformation from the COVID-19 pandemic. Published July 2022. Special Report Supporting Northern Virginia's Minority Owned Businesses A study on the minority-owned business community, how they were impacted by the pandemic, and recommendations for supporting them th rough the pandemic economic recovery and in the future beyond the pandemic. Published June 2021. Special Report Immigration One Region: Welcoming New Americans to Northern Virginia A study of the economic impact of immigrants to the region. Published March 2020. Special Report One Region: Addendu m A study addendum to the original report that was published in March 2020. This addendum assessed the economic impact of immigrants relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis response. Published October 2020. Special Report